Quite a bit will be happening in the next year, and while we’ll have a lot of fun things going on over here, I also have some very exciting things in store for the blog, which I’ll talk about next week in my inspiration board post. <—don’t forget to send yours in, if you’d like!

Life is certainly an exciting adventure. I’m always thankful to have you guys hanging out with us along the way- you’re the best part about this little blog. <3 2012 is going to be a good one!

Ahhhhh beautiful post, love!! My fave part of 2011 was getting myself back on my feet again! We went through a hard time over here with work, finances, stress and finally we have a business we ran with and help others daily and….sigh….now we have the freedom we’ve always wanted and the sweet income too. I was bad even up to 8 months ago, so I’m VERY blessed right now to have found myself and my passion!

My husband returned home from a 6.5 month deployment in July and it was the best feeling! I was so nervous/happy/excited and it was definitely one of the best moments of the year! The 15 minute drive to the airport felt like it took an eternity!! I can’t imagine having to do that 3 times, once is enough for me.

You had quite the year, especially with the little one on the way. My favorite moment was going to Barcelona on whim, and I’m just looking forward to whatever 2012 has to throw at me. It’s going to be a good year!

Your favorite moment is hard to beat! I just watched that video for the first time on here and it brought tears to my eyes!!!
Choosing my favorite moment this year is easy…it was running my very first marathon. So far in my life that feeling of crossing the finish line is unbeatable!!!

Happy almost New Year Gina!! That last picture of you and Tom is incredible, your baby is going to be gorgeous!!! Wishing you nothing but happiness, health and a speedy delivery! Love the blog, so happy I stumbled upon it – Thanks for sharing your wisdom, wit and healthy hints! ox

Wow! You really have had an amazing year! It has been awesome to read along! I wish you all the best for this 2012 girl! <3 My favourite moment of the last year was all the times My Baby Sister and My Love and I were just sitting at home all together laughing about something. The simple things are always the best.

Gina, I’ve loved being able to follow you through this incredible year of your life. You’re such a phenomenal woman and your strength inspires me so much. I’m sending you all the blessings of goodness and love in the world. May you experience more radiance in 2012 than ever before.

On a compleeeeteeelyyy unrelated note, I have to ask about teaching at the resort situation (I’m looking at my future career options and considering where to next) – do you get regulars coming to class or is it entirely dependent on who’s visiting the resort at the time? I can imagine the difference has an impact on how classes need to be taught… Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts (you know, when you’re not busy)!
xo Happy New Year!!

thank you, ilana! i’m so very lucky to know you 🙂
as far as teaching goes, we have many homeowners that live on resort property and attend classes. so i’d say about 80% are guests, the rest are homeowners (the regulars). i have to pretty much teach every class as if i’d never seen the participants before and making it easier to follow, depending on the level of the class. the good news is that for all classes we use a mic so we can cue steps and form the entire time.
hope this helps a little bit 🙂

Ok so first off, I totally went back and read your “back form third deployment” post and I definitely got a few tears! You guys are the cutest couple on the planet, seriously. Your love for one another is just BEAMING and it’s incredibly refreshing to see!

One of my favorite moments of 2011 was finally achieving one of my biggest dreams after 2 years of VERY hard work. I auditioned (and was chosen) to be in a fitness DVD for the company I teach classes through. I filmed it back in August, and it was just released this past month. It’s a huge accomplishment and the experience was one in a million. It wasn’t about being on film, it was about all the instructors who will receive this DVD and {hopefully} be inspired to grow as instructors because after all, them growing, means they then plant the seed into their participants lives. This dream showed me that I truly can achieve ANYTHING I set my mind to. Passion and dedication are a powerful combination. I had a wonderful support system encouraging me along the way. Every time I questioned my abilities they were there to pick me up and remind me of the finish line. The beauty of achieving dreams? Creating new ones, bigger ones. It’s what makes life so beautiful, reaching for the stars only to see ourselves one day succeed. And when we do, the feeling of accomplishment is so truly priceless.

Otherwise, stumbling upon your blog has been a wonderful highlight this year. I feel like we’d be great friends (I mean we’re both instructors, how could we not be :)? Thank you for being real, for saying it like it is, for your sense of humor, for showing us that true love (even though it’s hard work) DOES exist and it’s worth every second of waiting, and mostly for just being YOU. You come across to REAL through your blog and it’s what draws me to read every post. I don’t feel like I’m reading a fairytale, I know I’m going to learn and grow from your advice and even form your experiences. Thanks for being YOU Gina!

Blessing to you both this year, 2012 is going to be a GREAT ONE. I can’t wait to find out the name of that little angel inside your belly 🙂

2011 was so exciting for you! I’m crossing my fingers for myself for 2012. I had a big move this summer – all the way across the country. I can’t wait to hear more about your house, life in Tuscon, and see how life changes with the little miss!

Wow, this has been a HUGE year for you Gina!!! Congratulations on everything – 2011 was quite a life changer!! In 2011, I’m most proud of finishing my Fitness Instructor Specialist and Nutrition & Wellness Specialist Certifications, and for 2012, I’m most excited about becoming a certified Health Coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Lots of work, but I’m pumped!!

I’m just working up a similar post on my blog. It’s been an incredible and outrageous year over here. The highlights?
– Spent 6 weeks in Europe with my niece <3
– Finished my university degree (Health Science), after 9 years of part-time study and two changes of major
– Survived the second, third and tenth most vicious earthquakes ever recorded with sanity intact (?).
I have a very good feeling about 2012. It's going to be a fantastic year (and, fingers crossed, very little in the way of quakes)…

So many touching moments, looks like it was a great year and potentially even better year to come! The highlight of my year was graduating from college and getting a job teaching special ed in my hometown!

Gina,
I believe I’ve only commented once before but now seems the time to tell you I truly believe your blog had a big part in transforming my life in 2011. In the past year, I’ve lost 50 lbs., started a great job in exercise physiology, reignited my passion for yoga, fallen in love, and been the happiest I’ve felt in a very long time. Thank you, thank you!! Happy new year, can’t wait for 2012.
–Nicole

sounds like you have had an AMAZING year. i have a feeling 2012 will be even better- just keep doing what you’re doing! i’m proud of you for taking steps for your health and happiness <3
have a very happy new year!
xoxo

The best year of my life so far. Highlight, by far, was that I reunited with my ex guy (after 3 years apart) who I’ve learned is most definitely the love of my life – I feel so ridiculously blessed <3. This year, I finally graduate from veterinary medicine after 9 years of university! Already in love with 2012 🙂 Sooo looking forward to another year of your blog Gina! Thanks for spreading your loveliness to all your readers! xx

Hi, gorgeous! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to The Fitnessista, a healthy lifestyle blog emphasizing quick workouts, quick recipes and adventures as a wife and mom. Though I am a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and weight loss specialist, the information posted here is not intended to substitute the advice of a medical professional. Please check out the about page for more info. Thank you for reading! ❤️